Greece has secured €143 million in new funding for the 2021–2028 programming period of the European Economic Area (EEA) Grants, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Greece and the three donor countries—Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein. The MoU was signed by Nikos Papathanasis, Greece’s Deputy Minister of National Economy and Finance.
The new funding aims to strengthen resilience against modern geopolitical, social, energy, and climate challenges, while promoting gender equality and digitalisation across all programmes. The allocation of funds is as follows:
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Protection and Justice (€51 million): Management of asylum and migration, with an emphasis on unaccompanied minors, access to legal protection for women, and combating domestic violence.
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Local Development (€26.1 million): Sustainability and social inclusion, prioritising vulnerable groups and supporting small and medium-sized municipalities.
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Green Transition (€26 million): Climate adaptation and energy security initiatives.
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Green Innovation and Entrepreneurship (€24.8 million): Development of start-ups, promotion of female entrepreneurship, and competitiveness in blue and green industries.
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Civil Society (€14.4 million): Through the Civil Society Fund, to protect the rule of law.
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Support for Ukraine War Impact (€7 million): Targeted assistance addressing the repercussions of the war in Ukraine on Greece.
Nikos Papathanasis, Deputy Minister of National Economy and Finance, said: “With a new budget of €143 million, the European Economic Area functions complementarily with other financial instruments, creating a coherent funding framework aimed at sustainable development and social cohesion. Interventions in green transition, innovation, protection of vulnerable citizens, and local development create tangible opportunities for local communities. We are investing in policies that empower young people, enabling them to build their future in their own country with security and prospects.”
Harriet E. Berg, Norway’s Ambassador to Greece, added: “In an unpredictable world with challenges to energy security, climate impacts in the Mediterranean, and pressure on democratic institutions, international cooperation is crucial. Through the EEA Grants, Norway reaffirms its commitment as a close European ally. We invest in people and institutions for a strong, democratic, green, and resilient Europe.”
Vasiliki Pantelopoulou, Secretary General for Greece’s National Strategic Reference Framework (NSRF/ESPA), stated: “Completing the negotiations for the 2021–2028 EEA Grants period represents a strategic milestone for Greece. With a total budget of €143 million, Greece secures high-value new resources, channelled into targeted interventions for green transition, protection of vulnerable groups, innovation, and local development. Additionally, bilateral cooperation with the three donor countries is strengthened, creating a solid foundation for knowledge exchange and joint action.”
The planning process for programmes and preparation of open calls begins on 21 March 2026, with the implementation period of projects set to conclude on 31 December 2031.
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